African voice newspaper edition 547 by African Voice Newspapers UK

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014 ISSUE 547

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SINCE 2001

B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R Finding Fela to hit UK screens this weekend

Nigeria’s Royal Majesty in London for Lifetime Award

SEE PAGE 18

SPECIAL COIN TO REMEMBER BRITAIN’S FIRST BLACK ARMY OFFICER By Yemi Dipeolu

World War I hero Walter Tull, the first British army officer of Afro Caribbean decent, will be commemorated on one of six £5 coins being released this year to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Tull, who was born in Kent in 1888 to a Barbadian father and a white English mother, enlisted in the British army at the start of WW1 and was quickly promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. By 1916 Tull had risen to an officer rank despite the fact that people of colour were banned from being commissioned as officers. He served on the Italian front where he twice managed to lead all his men to safety, and was commended several times for his ‘gallantry and coolness under fire’. In March of 1918, when he returned to

£1.00

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The coin, featuring Tull, by the Royal Mint

France, Tull was killed by machine gun fire during a battle on Somme Valley. Before enlisting in the army in 1914, Tull was one of Britain’s first black professional footballers. He initially played for Tottenham Hotspur. However, he was subjected to racial abuse while playing on the pitch and as a result was transferred to Northampton Town. Tull was recommended for a Military Cross during his time serving in the army but was passed over. A campaign urging the government to give him the award posthumously is currently ongoing. A Medal for Leroy, a novel by critically acclaimed children’s writer Michael Morpurgo based on Tull’s life was published in 2012, and was adapted for stage a year later.

Continued on page 2 Tull overcame racial prejudice by becoming Britain’s first black army officer

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Nigerian students create Africa’s largest job website Three students in Nigeria have wowed the nation by creating and running its first ever job search website. The website, called ‘jobberman’, was launched by Ayodeji Adewunmi, Olalekan Olude and Opeyemi Awoyemi in the summer of 2009 while their lecturers were on strike. Despite initial struggles, as potential advertisers were afraid of fraud, Jobberman is now worth several million dollars and employs 125 people three times as many as when they first launched. “The growth has been tremendous, it’s at rocket speed. One of the biggest challenges has been to keep up with the volume of work,” Olude told BBC news. “In the beginning a lot of people did not trust an internet-based business because at that time a lot of people were using the internet to perpetuate fraud here in Nigeria,” he added.

Currently Jobberman carries between 5001,000 jobs every day making it the largest job search website in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2012 they began to expand outside Nigeria advertising jobs in Ghana, and are continuing to grow even more, with hopes to launch the website in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Mike Abiola Editorial Board Adviser Dr Ola Ogunyemi Managing Editor Alan Oakley News Editor Peter Olorunnisomo Sports Editor Abiodun Teriba Arts Editor Golda John Columnists Milton Tella Yemi Dipeolu Photo Journalist Isaac Adegbite Graphic Designer African Voice UK Accountant Fanla Agboola London Office: Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

News Free school meals scheme begins this week By Yemi Dipeolu

As children return to school this week nearly 2 million of them will be receiving a free hot meal at lunchtime as part of an initiative launched by the Lib-Dems, fuelled by the belief that one hot meal a day can have a significant impact on a young child’s health and education.

The £1 billion scheme will allow all primary school pupils up to the age of 7 to enjoy a free lunch, a distinct change to the previous allowance which only gave free school meals to low income families. All schools are legally obligated to provide these meals, although some at the moment do not have the facilities to cook hot food. Education Minister David Laws insists that the initiative will give children a better start in life, while also saving parents money. “Today our goal to offer every infant child a healthy, tasty school meal has become a reality, a move that will put money back in parents’ pockets while ensuring all children get the best possible start in life,” Laws told the BBC. The introduction of these free school meals will likely save families an estimated £400 per year. While families may welcome the savings, there is still concern over the cost of the

Children up to age 7 will receive free school meals from this week.

initiative with several people, including former education minister Michael Gove, believing that the money would be better spent elsewhere. According to the Local Government Association, schools have also been forced to divert over £25 million from other projects to upgrade the facilities needed to provide the free meals. Although the government provided £150 million to improve kitchen and dining facilities, over 240 schools are still not prepared to provide hot meals, 50 of which will definitely not be ready before January. In spite of this, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has continued to defend the scheme, citing the benefits for both pupils and parents.

“All the evidence, including the pilots in Durham and Newham, shows that free school meals will not only help ease the pressure on household budgets and encourage positive eating, but will also help improve concentration and raise educational performance so that, regardless of their background, every child can have the best possible start in life,” Clegg stated. “This is one of most progressive changes to our school system for a long time so there’ll always be critics but that won’t cloud my goal to create a level playing field for all of our children so their success will be determined by their talents and efforts alone and not by their parents’ bank balance.”

Special coin to remember Britain’s first black army officer Continued from front page

The coin, which features a picture of Tull as well as a smaller image of men ‘going over the top,’ is part of the first set of 6 coins to be released over the course of five years. Other coins include depictions of the first troops leaving for France, those working on the Home Front, a celebration of the Royal Navy, the role of propaganda during the war and the impact of war on technological developments. Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said: “The war years exposed the very best and worst of human nature and our intention is for the collection to evolve over the coming years to reflect that duality, while exploring topics as diverse as propaganda and weaponry as well as the great bravery of ordinary people who went on to perform extraordinary acts as represented by figures like Walter Tull.”

Tull was also one of the UK’s first black professional football players.

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News

Nollywood actress in London for Ultra Pampers launch

Dakore Egbuson – Akande and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who just came back from an extensive vacation with her family made an appearance at the intercontinental hotel to meet with Distributors and National sales rep of Pampers. The mother of four who has confessed to using only pampers on her kids

was briefed on the new ultra slim design for Nigerian babies which absorbs better. The two A-list Nollywood actresses, Omotola and new mother Dakore met with Reps to field questions and talk about motherhood.

Football legend John Fashanu backs daughter’s BBC documentary Amal Fashanu arrived in the UK with her Father John Fashanu to continue filming her BBC documentary. Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin Fashanu, the only ever openly gay British professional, goes on a mission to discover why no gay player has

followed in her uncle’s boots in over twenty years. Witnessing the typical chants from opposing fans on the terraces at Brighton, Amal can immediately see why gay players will not put their heads above the parapet. But one of Britain’s most famous gay football fans, Matt Lucas, tells her that the problem extends beyond the fans.

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News

RSC casts first black Iago, in ‘crazy’ Othello production By Yemi Dipeolu

British-Tanzanian actor Lucian Msamati is set to play Iago, Othello’s racist antagonist, in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production next year.

The play, which will be directed by renowned Shakespeare director Gregory Doran, will also star Ghanaian born actor Hugh Quarshie (Highlander, Star Wars Episode 1) in the title role, putting a unique twist on the original tale by casting two black leads. Othello which usually showcases overt racial tension between the characters of Othello and Iago, traditionally starts a white Iago, to a black Othello. In previous renditions these roles have been reversed posing the question as to whether racism can go both ways. In 1997, Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre produced Othello, with an all white cast with the exception of Patrick Stewart who played Iago. Having both Othello and Iago played by black actors, however, is something that has never been done before and has subsequently raised several eyebrows, questioning how the racial dynamic, which is integral to the play, will be incorporated. Doran admits that his new interpretation is somewhat unorthodox, and perhaps a little ‘crazy’, but believes it is worth the pursuit. “I know when I was watching it [in workshop] with a really good white Iago opposite Hugh I was thinking right, yes, I’ve seen this before terrific,” Doran told The Guardian. “But with Lucian, every line became freshly minted and it challenged the whole play in a way I found completely revelatory. It may be a completely crazy idea but I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, as you watch it, you just watch two really, really good actors doing it and that is the major issue.” Msamati, who previously starred in the popular television series Game of Thrones, told The Standard that he was ‘thrilled and honoured’ to be given the part. “Back at the RSC, playing an iconic character, opposite one of the most distinguished actors in the country, under the watchful eye of a passionate, intelligent director? Dreams don’t get better than this,” he said. In 1959, American actor Paul Robeson became the first black actor play Othello in an RSC production. He was succeeded by British-Jamaican actor Ray Fearon 40 years later in 1999. Doran’s production of Othello will open next September in Shakespeare’s home town Stratford-Upon-Avon. 4

RSC’s Art Director Gregory Doran.

Msamati previously played pirate Salladhor Saan in Game of Thrones

Hugh Quarshie will play Othello

Lucian Msamati will play Iago in next year’s RSC production

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News

Migrant crisis: I’ll close Calais, says mayor Staff at the French port of Calais have resorted to fire hoses to hold back hundreds of migrants trying to board ferries bound for the UK.

The mob overpowered security guards and were only prevented from boarding the vessels by quick-thinking ferry staff, who raised the entry ramps and trained the powerful water spray directly at the desperate horde. Mayor of Calais, Nathalie Bouchart, threatened to blockade the port unless the UK did more to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, saying the city has been “taken hostage” by migrants attempting to cross the Channel. “It would be illegal, but I want a strong response from the British,” the centre-right politician said. Brouchart has accused the UK of demanding tough border controls but says the government has failed to contribute to the cost. It is estimated that as many as two hundred migrants arrive illegally in Britain via Calais every week.

French police raid a makeshift refugee camp in a wooded area outside Calais

Migrant camps

In 1999 the Sangatte refugee camp was set up by the French government and the Red Cross to house up to 900 refugees, but numbers quickly rose above 2,000. At the end of 2002, French and UK officials feared it was being used as base for human

trafficking and it was shut down, sparking violent riots. Since then, illegal camps have continued to

little better than dogs” by the authorities. Migrants have long been protesting for the “basic dignity” of having water and

Natacha Bouchart, the Mayor of Calais,

spring up in its place. Police have made numerous attempts to clear them. One of the most recent attempts to evict the migrants was made by riot police earlier this year following a scabies outbreak.

The current situation

Life is the camps is “verging on the primeval”, according to special report by The Independent. “England is the house. We are not even in the toilet. We are in the sewer outside,” said one Afghan migrant who has been there for several months. There are currently over 1,000 migrants at the port, many of whom are asylum-seekers fleeing wars or persecution in Syria, North Africa and Afghanistan. Some are economic migrants. They largely depend on charities for food and report daily harassment and abuse from police, a claim French officials deny. One man said “We are treated 6

proper sanitation at the makeshift camps, something the authorities have refused to deliver.

What now?

French authorities are determined to clear the camps, but the migrants say they have nowhere else to go. France is now demanding meetings with the Home Office to jointly address the issue, but the UK rejects responsibility. Earlier this year, a Home Office spokesperson said: “The conditions of any camps in France and the policing of them is the responsibility of the French authorities.” Ben Bano, from the UK-based refugee group Seeking Sanctuary said: “It has long been in the interests of the British and French governments for nothing much to happen in Calais. The only losers are the asylum-seekers and their families.” ·

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Akintokun named finalists BBB Awards

Tunji Akintokun, Director at Cisco and Founder/Co-Director of social enterprise Your Future Your Ambition (YFYA) has been named as a finalist for the Black British Business Awards STEM category. The Black British Business Awards founded by Melanie Eusebe and Sophie Chandauka, aims to support and promote business excellence and to uncover inspirational role models and ambassadors to lead a new generation of business people across all UK industries including media, professional services, finance, infrastructure and manufacturing and STEM. YFYA, an organisation launched in 2012 aims to attract and encourage more diverse talent from BAME backgrounds into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related careers. Mr Atintokun formed YFYA out of the philosophy “It takes a village to raise a child”, the village being companies offering a diversity of experiences and opportunities that enrich a young person’s life. YFYA has become the “must” attend STEM based career day, and has attracted over 1,000 students, an average of 80 schools/colleges, gained executive spon-

Tunji Akintokun British Nigerian Finalist in the Black British Business Awards

sorship and involvement of over 20 organisations. YFYA is growing from strength to strength and receiving recognition for the impact the initiative is having in the community from Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick, Race for Opportunity, Arsenal FC Community scheme and the London Borough of Islington. YFYA has raised over £5,000 to support Street Child Africa and 100 Black Men of London charities.

Mr Akintokun said, “It is an honour to be recognised as a finalist at the inaugural Black British Business Awards in the STEM category. Capturing diverse early in career talent is fundamental for the future growth and sustainability of UK PLC in the global marketplace with Science & Technology being a key catalyst. I would like to commend the BBB Awards in providing a platform to showcase and recognise the great work carried out by many inspirational people” This year’s finalist range from Dragon’s Den star Pier Linney and agricultural entrepreneur Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones to rising stars from a wide range of range of leading UK companies who impressed the judges with their stellar business achievements. The winners will be announced on 2 October at the Grange City Hotel, London. The judging panel includes Tim Campbell MBE the BBC Apprentice 2005 winner, Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY, Karen Blackett OBE, CEO, MediaCom, Adrian

Joseph, Director, Customer Solutions & Innovation, Northern & Central Europe Google and Steve Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, ASDA. The category sponsors EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest engery companies, producing around one-fifth of the nation’s electricity. Fiona Jackson Head of Strategic Resourcing and Employer Branding of EDF Energy said: “EDF Energy believes that British business benefits from having a diverse workforce which reflects our society. We know that diverse teams lead to better performance and we want more of this in our business, in particular we want to attract more BAME candidates into STEM careers with us. By showcasing achievements of role models from within the Black community, we hope to inspire young people to choose STEM careers as well as encouraging existing employees who want to progress with us.” Ms Eusebe said; “I started these awards to showcase the contribution made to the British economy by black business people, and with the tremendous support we have received from our sponsors, judges, partners, community and government, we now have a sold out ceremony that is raising awareness, changing mindsets, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.” Ms Chandauka said: “We have every expectation that the Black British Business Awards will forecast, with precision, important boardroom members of the future. Our rising stars are phenomenally gifted individuals who have defied the odds, particularly given the fiercely competitive environment following the global financial crisis. The Awards will serve as an antidote to stereotypes on so many levels. We feel inspired to maintain this level of excellence for years to come.”

Mum’s the word when it comes to shopping for the family For many time-poor mums shopping is a key part of its daily life. Undoubtedly it’s easy to feel irritated on a shopping trip where many factors conspire against mums to make an afternoon of shopping seem less preferable than pulling teeth.

The heat, the queues, the children running around and even the couple in front blocking up the aisle with their trolley as they deliberate over natural or Greek yoghurt can make shopping sheer hell. So unquestionably mums need a supermarket that pretty much offers everything they need in one trip and also includes great quality at low prices. “For me, Asda offers both of those things,” says mum Rita Eusabe from Leyton, London. “As a fulltime working mother, wife, mother to two children (ages eight and three) and, as my husband will tell you, someone who likes to “do it all,” every day is a constant juggle

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and quest to create more time. And I have realized over the years that time and convenience is of the essence when it comes to doing the family grocery shopping.” Some mums have gone on to use supermarket shopping to also teach children about money, simple maths and budgeting. Full time working mum to two children, eleven-year-old boy and nine year old girl, Melanie Nelson from Beckton shares how she juggles time between her children, shopping and giving life lessons to her children. “I think it’s good for children to see you go to a supermarket so they learn about budgets and so they don’t think a fridge has magically appeared with food in it. I make sure to get my kids involved with the shopping and make them very much part of the decision making.” According to Melanie, she says her daughter loves using the self-scanning machines and paying for items herself. “It gives her a sense of independence,” she said.

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Health News

Major quarantine and experimental vaccines to curb Ebola of tracking individual contacts of patients to become effective again.

By Debora McKenzie

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is raging out of control. Known cases have topped 3000 – with the true number thought to be two to four times that – and they are climbing exponentially, doubling every 35 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a possible 20,000 known cases in the coming months if efforts to control the outbreak do not bear fruit. The virus has now invaded Senegal, a fifth country, in what the WHO are calling a top-priority emergency. The only effective controls are tracking and quarantining people exposed to the virus, and perhaps a vaccine. Last week, the WHO outlined an aggressive road map to stop the spread of the virus. It implied that this could involve quarantining entire communities in badly affected areas. An effort to do this without warning the community ended in riots in a slum in Monrovia, Liberia, last month, but the WHO hopes more community involvement will help in future. An unprecedented effort has also been launched to make a currently experimental vaccine available on a large scale as early as January. So far, quarantine has proved difficult. In July an infected man flew from Liberia to Lagos, Nigeria, and was hospitalised, infecting health staff. All people who had come into contact with him were thought to be isolated, but last week it emerged that one person flew to Port Harcourt, further along the coast, to be treated secretly. His doctor died and 160 people who were in contact with them are now in quarantine.

Vaccine hope

Experimental treatments are currently being emergency trialled

Under the radar

The WHO plan emphasises cooperation with affected communities, for instance giving people more protective equipment so that they can care for their sick. But Aylward said unaffected countries are reacting to Ebola by buying up global supplies of masks, gowns and gloves, hindering the effort. Even if they can be obtained, getting supplies and health workers into affected countries is getting harder. Airlines are cancelling flights partly because there are no certified safe hotels or medical care for air crews on overnight refuelling stops. The UN World Food Programme is supplying emergency aircraft to get people and supplies, and the WHO is in talks with airlines in a bid to fix these problems within a few weeks. The other angle of attack is a vaccine. Last week UK-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline said it would start making 10,000 doses of an experimental vaccine composed of a harmless adenovirus that expresses an Ebola protein. The vaccine was safe and provoked immune reactions to Ebola in tests in non-human primates, but had not been tested in humans. Those tests will start this week with volunteers in the US, followed by people in the UK, Gambia and Mali. In an unprecedented move, GSK will make the vaccine in bulk while those tests are under way. If it passes, it could be used in Africa early next year. Encouraging results have also been reported in primates with an experimental drug called ZMapp. But that drug is aimed at curing infected people and would have little impact on transmission of the virus. SOURCE: New Scientist

Meanwhile a man under surveillance in Guinea after exposure to Ebola travelled to Senegal and developed the disease. He initially went to hospital without warning medical staff of his exposure to the virus. The people he had contact with are now being traced. Quarantine has worked on Ebola in the past, but those outbreaks had at most a few hundred cases. It is proving difficult to scale up such labour-intensive methods to the West African epidemic, says Bruce Aylward, head of emergency operations at the WHO. “We can’t contact-trace every individual,” Aylward said in a WHO press conference to launch the new road map in Geneva, on 29 August. “So in this case you may have to trace an infected village or community for the time being.”

This implies that more communities could be held under quarantine. The WHO’s plan aims to stop viral transmission in the most affected countries by June 2015, and stop it invading new ones, for a projected cost of $490 million over the next six months. It calls for more Ebola treatment centres, healthcare facilities to find cases, contact-tracing and mobilisation of communities to safely bury people killed by Ebola, as well as the recruitment of 760 international health staff and 12,000 within the most-affected countries. It also calls for “short-term extraordinary measures to limit national spread”. While the road map doesn’t spell out what the extraordinary measures are, it does call for healthcare, food and social support in containment areas. Aylward told the press conference the measures should slow transmission in the worst hotspots enough by December to allow the standard method

dying horrible deaths, I had some unpleasant symptoms, but nothing compared to the worst of the disease.” It is uncertain as to whether or not the experimental drug ‘cured’ Pooley as the disease was luckily caught early on. However his doctors have stated that the levels of Ebola in his bloodstream dropped significantly after he was given drug. Pooley has said that his experience has made him even more dedicated to nursing, and also sung the praises of other volunteers in Sierra Leone describing them as ‘heroic’. “It’s just heroic what they’re doing, they know what might be facing them,” he said. “In the face of quite likely a horrible death, they’re continuing to work all day, every day helping sick people, it’s amazing.” Ebola, a disease that attacks the body’s nervous system and is passed on through contact with infected bodily fluids, has continued to spread rapidly through West

British Ebola victim made a full recovery after receiving treatment with ZMapp Africa with over 3000 reported cases. outbreak. Last week Senegal had its first reported Meanwhile several charities have criticised case, despite efforts to keep the disease the lack of response to the disease in Africa out, and it is estimated that 20,000 people describing it as ‘inadequate’. will contract the disease during the current

British Ebola victim released from hospital

Britain’s first Ebola victim has been released from hospital following treatment at a London hospital.

29-year-old William Pooley, who contracted the deadly infectious disease while working as a voluntary nurse in Sierra Leone, has reportedly made a full recovery after receiving the Zmapp drug, which so far has only been given to 6 people. Pooley was flown back to the UK late last month, after developing the early symptoms of Ebola, and was treated in a special isolation unit at London’s Royal Free Hospital, where he praised the treatment he received. “I was very lucky in several ways; firstly in the standard of care I received, which is a world apart from what people are receiving in West Africa at the moment,” he said. “And my symptoms never progressed to the worst stage of the disease, I’ve seen people

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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Nigeria’s former vice-president Atiku Abubakar on Friday became the ﬁrst high proﬁle politician to announce his candidacy for the presidency at next year’s general elections. Abubakar, who was deputy to Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, is seeking to be the main opposition All Progressives Congress’s candidate (APC) at the February 14, 2015 vote. A formal declaration will be made on September 24, his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said in an emailed statement. Primaries for the parties’ candidates begin in October, according to an election commission timetable. “This is not about me, it is about our young people. It is about Nigerians,” the 67-year-old Abubakar said. “It is their future, not the past. It is about reforming government, securing the people and reconciling the nation.” Abubakar, from the northeastern state of Adamawa, was in government as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and made two unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 2007 and 2011.

He announced in February that he was joining the APC because he said the PDP of President Goodluck Jonathan “cannot be redeemed”, as it had not improved governance or tackled corruption. “We need leadership focused on our people, on creating jobs (and) providing security. That’s why I am joining the APC,” he said at the time. Divisions along religious, ethnic and regional lines had increased “for political gains” and the ruling party had abandoned ordinary Nigerians. The APC in contrast was “a party of change”, he added. Political analysts have said that the PDP, never out of power since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, faces a strong challenge from the opposition at next year’s vote. The APC ranks have been strengthened by the defection of powerful state governors and lawmakers, many of them from the Muslim-majority north, unhappy that Jonathan may run again. They claim that Jonathan, a southern Christian who has not yet outlined his intentions, reneged on a promise to serve only one term. Courtesy of AFP.

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

2015 Election: Atiku announces presidency bid

From right – All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Vice Chairman (South West Zone), Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure and former National Chairman (South West Zone) Alliance for Democracy (AD), Oba Olatunji Hamzat during the First All Progressives Congress South West Assembly at Premier Hotel Banquet Hall, Mokola Hill, Ibadan

From Left – Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Former Governor Oyo State, Senator. Rasheed Ladoja during the Final Burial Ceremony of Alhaja Halimat Sadia Ladoja in Ibadan Oyo State

From right – National Council of Elder Member of Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society [NASFAT}, AlhaJI Oladele Soliu, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National President Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society [NASFAT] Alhaji Sherrif Yussuf, President Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello, Managing Director Osun State Investment company limited, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji and Mr. Kabir Aregbesola during a thanksgiving prayer over his victory as the Governorelect in the 2014 Governorship Election in the State of Osun at Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society [NASFAT} Pray Grand Mowe Ogun State 10

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Faces @ The Diamond Jubilee: Actress Golda John Golda John Abiola celebrated 40 years on the stage and 60th Birthday in London recently. Her professional acting career started in 1974 when Chief Wale Ogunyemi of blessed memory gave her the opportunity to showcase her natural talent in one of his plays The Divorce. Her portfolio included plays like Wole Soyinka’s Opera Wonyosi and Death and the King’s Horseman. She also starred in Shattered Bridge as well as Ayitale, both UNESCO commissioned plays written by the late Dr Bode Osanyin. On Nigerian television in 1980s &1990s, Golda was a famous face on Lola FaniKayode’s prime-time soap operas Mirror in the Sun and Family Ties; Amaka Igwe’s Checkmate; television series Ward 15 and many others. Golda stars in Universal Feature Film A Fantastic Fear of Everything, a British indie comedy, was written and directed by musician-turned-filmmaker Crispian Mills. This mainstream role for an outstanding Black actress is just one of many successes to come for Golda since relocating to the UK. Universal Pictures released the film in the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Latin America. Photos: Michael Ebo

Teju Aina, Mike, Golda and a guest

Madam Titi, Golda and Mrs Florence Fagbemi

Ayan Ayandosu, Mike, Golda, Peter and Bolaji Badejo

Mike, Golda and Pastor Jide Siwoku

Linda James, Golda and Savannah

Mike, Golda and Pof. Duro Oni

Kunle Bamtefa and Golda

Doyin Owoeye and Abigail Akano

Mike, Golda, Mimi Ajibade and Prince Tajudeen Adeniyi

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Nigeria Arise project celebrates Gov Godswill Akpabio, others By Emmanuel Urhiofe

It was a night of glitz and glamour as the Nigeria Arise project honoured Nigerians who have contributed in their different ways to the development of image and development of Nigeria in the Diaspora. Nigeria Arise project was set up by BEN TV in 2007 to mobilize and empower Nigerians in the Diaspora towards calling on the government and institutions to do the right things towards the uplifting of the citizens and in the improvement of the livelihood of all.

The award night which attracted the former Governor of Abia state, Dr Idika Kalu, Ogun State Governor, Ibinkule Amosun, FCA, Governor Dickson, Pastor Tunde Bakare, who presides over Global Apostolic Impact Network and President of Latter Rain Ministries and also former Vice Presidential candidate under the APC; and the royal father of the day, HRH Oba Tejuoso, saw a number of Nigerians going home with awards in different categories. Godswill Akpabio won the award for the most outstanding governor in Nigeria. Those who won award included Hon. Tunji Bello, a Lagos State commissioner For Environment, Senator Izunaso from Imo State, Governor, Ogun State Nigeria; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Mr. Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Manufacturing company; Dr. John Osammor of Odeiga House Odeiga foods; Prince Mike Abiola Publisher of African Voice; Victor Olisa a Chief Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police; Prince Lipede Of Media Solution/ InfoTech;; Dr. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Executive Kano State; Dr. Solomon Fubura for his services for business development and empowerment programmes; Professor Stanley Okolo & Dr. Peter Ozua for contributions in Health; Dr. Nazir Ahmed for Excellence in Education; Mr. Patrick Ideh of Bantuway Foods; Channels TV Broadcasting Channel in Nigeria and Dana and sports woman Christine Ileoma Ohuruogu.

Akpabio’s achievement takes centre stage

There was encomiums and wild applause as Governor Godswill Akpabio’s achievements in Akwa Ibom state were read out to the crowded audience. 12

Announcing the award, the Master of Ceremony, Charles Ajayi Kheran said: Ladies and gentlemen, the 33rd President of the United States Harry Truman said “Men make history and not the other way round. Where there is no leadership society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better. When you ﬁnd a leader changing things society, rejoice. Please join me in welcoming to the podium the Governor of Akwa Ibom State to the podium.” The citation for the award to Gov Akpabio listed a volume of infrastructural development projects, as well as the introduction of free education for the youth, all of which has transformed the hitherto backward state into one of the wonder states of modern Nigeria. Among other important achievements of the Governor are the establishment of a gas processing plant, the construction of the ﬁrst e-library in West Africa, the establishment of the Tropicana, the construction of the Ibom power plant, the completion of the 30,000 seater International Stadium, the Ibom specialist hospital, massive housing project handed over to the Federal Government , the introduction of the minimum wage of N21,000 above the N18,000 approved rate, the training and empowerment of women, amongst other. The Founder of Nigeria Arise Dr. Alistair Soyode said: “We call on all Nigerians to be proud of their heritage, cultures and it is our unique responsibilities to participate in National Development and in the committee of nations.” The party which took place at the posh Holiday Inn in Regent Park, Central London was convivial as Ben TV live band and international artist Daddy Showkey entertained the colourful audience

Awards recipients and categories

Prince Mike Abiola Publisher of African Voice Nigeria Arise Nollywood Ambassador 2014 2. Professor Stanley Okolo Nigeria Arise Health Ambassador 2014 3. Dr. Peter Ozua Nigeria Arise Health Ambassador 2014 4. Ms. Christine Ohuruogu Nigeria Arise Sport Ambassador 2014 5. Mr. Femi Okutubo of Trumpet Nigeria Arise Media Ambassador 2014 6. Dr. John Osammor of Odeiga House Nigeria Arise Food Ambassador 2014

Oba Tejuosho Adedapo CEO, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON and a diplomat

7. Dr. Solomon Fubara Nigeria Arise Business Ambassador 2014 8. Ms. Yewande Akinola Nigeria Arise Innovation Ambassador 2014 9 Patrick Ideh of Bantuway Nigeria Arise Enterprises Ambassador 2014 10 . Senator Osita Izunaso Nigeria Arise NGO Ambassador 2014 11. Honourable Tunji Bello Nigeria Arise Environmental Ambassador 2014 12. Senator Ganiyu Solomon Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014 13. Mr. Jimmy Agbaje Nigeria Arise Mentor/Inspiring Ambassador 2014 14. Dana Air Nigeria Arise Airline Ambassadors 2014 15. Dr. Nazir Ahmed od Best Tutors Nigeria Arise Education Ambassador 2014 16. Pastor Agu Irukwu Nigeria Arise Leader’s Ambassador 2014 17. Apostle Alfred Williams of CFT Nigeria Arise Leader’s Ambassador 2014 18. Kaduna Gov HE Mukhtar Yero Nigeria Arise Peace Ambassador 2014 19. Channels TV Nigeria Arise Television Ambassador 2014 20. Kano State/Governor Rabiu

Kwankwaso Nigeria Arise Youths/ SME 2014 21 Ogun State Gov Sen Ibikunle Amosun FCA Nigeria Arise Most Industrially developed State 2014 22. INNOSON GROUP Nigeria Arise Entrepreneurial Ambassador 2014 23. Chief Superintendent Victor Olisa Nigeria Arise Brand Ambassador 2014 24. Pst. Dr. Tunde Bakare Nigeria Arise Nation’s Builder Ambassador 2014 25. CG Ibrahim Dikko Inde Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014 26. Prince Lipede of Media Solution Nigeria Arise Entertainment Ambassador 2014 27. Mr. Richard Taylor Nigeria Arise Special Ambassador 2014 28. HRH Oba Tejuoso Nigeria Arise Goodwill Ambassador 2014 29. HE Sen. Dalhatu Taﬁda CFR OF R Nigeria Arise Mentor’s Ambassador 2014 30 Akwa Ibom Gov Godswill Akpabio Nigeria Arise Most OUTSTANDING Governor in Infrastructural Development.

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Christine Ifeoma Ohuruogu receives Nigeria Arise Sport Ambassador 2014 from former Governor Orji Kalu

Representative of Yewande Akinola of Arup recieves the Arise Award 2014

Waheed Olagunju receives BOI Outstanding SME Bank 2014 from former Vice Presidential Candidate Fola Adeola

Kano State/Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso Nigeria Arise Youths/SME 2014 from former Vice Presidential Candidate Fola Adeola

Friday, 05 September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, 11 September 2014

Mike Abiola receives Nigeria Arise Nollywood Ambassador 2014 from Seniour Adviser to Kaduna State Governor

Richard Taylor receives Nigeria Arise Nollywood Ambassador 2014 from former Vice Presidential Candidate Fola Adeola with Alistair Soyode CEO BEN TV

Ogun State representative receives Most Industrially developed State 2014 from former Vice Presidential Candidate Fola Adeola

Patrick, Stella Ideh, Mike, Golda, Peter and Elizabeth Ozua 13

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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By Yemi Dipeolu

Junior Cooper

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Dionne wishin’ and hopin’ for another hit album

Rent-a-rant West hits back at MTV jibes

Jay Pharoah does Kanye West to mass delirium

Kanye West has responded publicly and angrily about comedian Jay Pharoah poking fun at project KimYe, alias the curious union between West the megalomaniac and Kim Kardashian the publicity whore, at the recent MTV Video Music Awards.

A publicity shot from Dionne Warwick’s 1960s prime

Singing legend Dionne Warwick, who has famously been an outspoken critic of present-day artists, is about to release an album of duets and collaborations with the likes of Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, CeeLo Green, Billy Ray Cyrus, Eric Paslay, Cyndi Lauper, Mya, Ruben Studdard, Phil Driscoll and Ziggy Marley. The 14-track album, which will also feature Miley’s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus; Cyndi Lauper and Dionne’s contemporary, Gladys Knight, is an anthology of her classics, which were almost exclusively written by composer Burt Bacharach and the late lyricist Hal David. The set will be completed with four new numbers. “I’m thrilled to release a new album with some of today’s greatest singers and song-

writers,” says Warwick. “Throughout my career, I’ve always enjoyed creating music through collaboration and this experience has been no different. The fresh energy with these artists, producers and my new label is truly inspiring. I am also very excited to have this project benefit Unite4good, a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to unite us all in bringing more good into the world.” Warwick, whose aunt Emily ‘Cissy’ Houston was Whitney Houston’s mother, is one of the most decorated and successful recording artists of all time with fifty-six singles having reached the BILLBOARD Hot 100, five Grammy Awards, including three songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and millions of records sold world-wide. “Feels So Good”, which is set for a late October release in the US, will be Warwick’s twenty-eighth full length album.

At his Budweiser Made In America Music Festival performance at the weekend, West let it be known that he called the Saturday Night Live star shortly after the awards show ended and gave him both barrels. He told his fans, who have become used to his on-stage rants: “They want to make a joke out of how hard we work. It’s fine and all funny and everything, but don’t distract from our vision. It’s not a joke what we do up here. This music that we do is not a joke. What we do culturally is not a joke.”

West went on: “I called Jay Pharoah right after the MTV Awards. I said, ‘I appreciate your show, but let me tell you about my story. Let me tell you about what I went through to get to that position ...’ So we ain’t gonna have no black comedians going up stage spoofing the people that’s working hard to open doors not only for black people, but [for] any creators, anybody that wants to add a contribution to the world.” West was not present at the VMAs; but his wife was, and seemed to be lapping it up as cameras zoomed in on her while she was being mocked. A clearly riled West did manage to compose himself enough to end his tirade on a positive note, bidding his fans: “When I leave tonight, I want y’all to leave with love.” Pharoah has not commented on West’s remarks.

X-spectant Rebecca illuminates Blackpool

A heavily pregnant Rebecca Ferguson performing in Blackpool at the weekend

No one can have failed to notice that it is X Factor season again. That means it’s time to check up on African Voice’s favourite non-winners. Former X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson is currently expecting her third child but this has proved no obstacle to her singing career. On Sunday, while the good, bad and indifferent of the next batch of hopefuls was being broadcast to the nation, Rebecca had neither them nor her impending new arrival on her mind as she took to the stage at the Blackpool Illuminations concert.

The 28-year-old, who has recently returned from recording in Los Angeles, dazzled crowds as she dressed her blossoming baby bump in a striking pink floral printed chiffon gown. She accentuated her facial features with glamorous makeup, while opting to wear her long luscious locks in a high ponytail. The Liverpool lass announced she was pregnant in April after she dramatically collapsed during a live performance on afternoon TV show Loose Women weeks before. She took a pregnancy test immediately after the show, which incorrectly came up negative. 15

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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Gospel

SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own family or household.” Matt. 10:34-35.

By Michael Adekoya I heard this story: “The pulpit committee of a church approached a man one time and said, “We need a pastor for our church.” He said to them, “I’m already committed but I know just the guy you need. He is a fantastic preacher and has a fiery evangelistic spirit, he is tenderhearted but equally tough but he is kind of old.”The man continued, “Everywhere he goes, he is always under attack and in trouble. He gets beaten up very often and he’s also been in jail several times. He’s often hunted down but God never abandons him; get knocked out several times but he gets up again and again and keeps going. He is anointed and prophetic. The committee began to shake their heads, and one of the members said, “Well, we don’t know whether he’s the man we want or not.” Immediately, the man said, “Well, don’t worry; you couldn’t get him. He’s already in heaven, and his name is Paul, the Apostle.” The man said that because he knew what the church and its leader stands for. My friend, you don’t want a husband, a Pastor or a leader who can rub shoulders with the people of this world and would not rub any salt in their wounds! What is the point of following a leader who is very fearful, insecure, silent on crucial issues or stagnant? Where there is no offence, there is no effect. My friend, listen! While the heart of man is “desperately wicked” Jer 17:9 and souls are heading to hell in multitudes, our pulpits, telecasts and pews are silent. We need to pray for the men and women who occupy leadership positions, who occupy the pulpits in our churches and feature on the telecasts. Pray that we would be loving, anointed, spirit filled, full of revelation and wisdom. Let’s pray for each other that we would be truthful, strong, bold, open, focused, secured in the Lord, tender hearted but also tough against issues of sin and compromise. Let’s pray for the power of the Holy Spirit that will make us witnesses. Let’s pray for our leaders that they will no more water down the truth of God’s Word, but be strong, bold and courageous to proclaim its power no matter what!

Donnie McClurkin performs “Hail Jesus,” God saves us by grace but there are sacrifices to be made, principles to follow and instructions to obey to keep that salvation. There are ingredients to a miracle and price to pay to keep it. There are messages of encouragement and hope, messages of healing and deliverance, messages of prosperity and blessings. But, my friend, there are also messages of the truth of God’s Word which confront sins, call for restitution and reconciliation with God and with each other, which demand for our faith in God, changes of our lifestyles and warning of the judgment to come, the type which are very rare from most pulpits today. Listen! You can never correct what you are unwilling to confront. That’s the honest truth! I believe in messages that edify, exhort and comfort. I believe in motivational messages, at least to jump-start us, to put us on the runway, to encourage us, to remind us who we are in Christ and what God calls us to do. But, I don’t believe in preachers who tend to water down the truth of God’s Word to please their adherents or those

Are you looking for a church? Not settled in any particular congregation? Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue School, Park Hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches Worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants Club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus Fellowship

Worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663. Praise Tabernacle- 10:30am holds meetings at 620 Western Avenue (A40), Park Royal Business Centre, opposite Warner Bros. Cinema Complex, W3. part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. For information you may call 020 8993 3010 New Life Christian Centre 10.30am & 6.00pm. meetings at Cairo New Road, Croydon. The church has

who avoid confronting sins. I don’t believe in preachers or leaders who fear the faces of the people and refuse to call them to order and repentance. “Shall we continue in sins and ask the grace to continue.” Paul asked. (Rom 6:1). Jesus is tender-hearted and also tough. He balanced them! We are not called to tell the people what they want to hear, but to preach the Gospel -the truth. It is the power of God to save, to deliver, to heal and to bless those who believe. Sins must be confronted and confessed. The willingness to confess births the ability to overcome. Our hearts must be guarded diligently. Everywhere Paul went to preach, he was always in trouble because he preached the truth. The messengers of Satan always stir up people against him. (2 Cor. 12:12). He got beaten up very often, persecuted and also been in jail several times. In one of his letters to the Christians in Galatia, he wrote, “O you foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth…” Gal. 3:1. Imagine trying to say that from the pulpit in our churches and telecasts today! When Paul was brought for trial before Felix, the Governor; the man with the power to release him from going to jail, you would have expected him to plead for mercy and water down his message. No! Not Paul! Instead what did Paul talk about? (a) He spoke about righteousness! He said, “Governor Felix, are you in the right standing with God? You need to give your life to Jesus Christ and have personal relationship with God.” (b) He spoke about Temperance! He said, “Gov. Felix, do you live by principle of God’s Word or by impulse?”(c) He spoke about judgment to come! He said, “Governor Felix, there is a bigger throne than the one I’m standing in front of today and we’re both going to appear before it. Are you ready?” (read Acts 24:25). My friend, the Bible says when Governor Felix heard these words, “He trembled!” Paul gave it straight to the Governor - the type of preaching enough to cause our church-growth experts and prosperity preachers to collapse on the spot or run for the nearest exit. Jesus said, “Woe to the Pharisees and the

a Bible school, primary, is involved in extensive mission work in Eastern Europe, Italy and India. For information you may call 020 8680 7671 Ruach Ministries - holds meeting at 9am, 11am and 6pm. For information you may call 020 8678 6888 International Central Gospel Church - Battersea Chapel, holds meetings on Sundays from 2.00pm. . For information you may call 020 8684 4934 Jesus Arena International- Sunday service at 11.00am at Broadwater Farm Centre, Adams Road N17 The Bible Life Church UK- They meet on Sunday mornings at 2.30pm at St Giles Centre, Camberwell

Sadducees.” Is that a curse? No! But it was a confronting and strong word aimed to rebuke and chastise them, open their eyes and minds and transform their lives. When Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matt. 16:21-23. Imagine saying that to your close allied or church member today. I dare our preachers saying that today. My friend, there are times for prayers and there are times for strong meat of the word of God for growth and maturity in Christ. Enough of our silence to the issues of abortions, homosexuality, corruptions, occultism, hatred, unjust accusations, sexual perversion, compromise, unforgiveness, bitterness, prayerlessness, division or strife among us! Listen! Your approval of men, popularity, celebrity Christianity, fame, status, position, even your title has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. But love, righteousness, unity, peace forgiveness, joy and order have everything to do with it. It’s time to confront disorderliness in all areas! Jesus is not impressed with religious leaders who water down the Word of God, flatter people, manipulate them, fear them and refuse to tell them the truth because of fear of reduction in church income or because they want to maintain their popularity and status. My friend, never ever forget that! The Word of God is the word of truth, the word of life and the power of God to salvation to those who believe. “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Heb. 11:3. Don’t water it down! Preach the Word, feed the people with green pastures, turn their hearts to God, and delegate to settle any dispute or strife among them but prepare them for Jesus’ second return. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! How good and pleasant it is if we can do away with offences and work together. Remain blessed!

Church Street, London SE5 Christ Apostolic church (Full Gospel & Pentecostal) Surrey Docks District 163 Ilderton Rd South Bermondsey London SE16 2UT. Tel. 020 7252 2086. Time of worship: Sunday English service 9- 11.30am. Yoruba service 11.30 -2.30pm. Prophetic counselling: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12noon- 5pm, Saturday only 5- 7pm. Holy Cross Church InternationalSunday 10.am- 1 pm at Crown House 71-73 Nathan Way London SE28 0BQ Tel: 07904 234 126, 07809 381 886 Times of service:Bible study: Thursdays 8pm. Night Vigil: Friday Forth-

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church Gravesend, St Aidan’s Church, St Aidan’s Way, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 4AG Tel: 01474 355 841, 07956 38 38 70 Time of worship: Wednesday Bible study: 7:30pm to 9:00pm Friday, Night Vigil: 9pm to 11pm Sunday Worship: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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USA

School claims battered tot did this to herself Friends and family of the mother of a mixed-race year one school pupil have initiated a Facebook campaign to seek justice for her daughter who, she claims, was kicked and beaten “beyond recognition” in her school playground. Lacey Harris ﬁled a police report with the Pascagoula Police Department in racially-charged Mississippi on Thursday after 5-year-old AvaLynn came home from school with “her face swollen, cut, and bruised beyond recognition,” according to a description of the incident posted to the Facebook group “Justice For AvaLynn.” According to the Facebook posting: “AvaLynn informed Lacey that she was assaulted by another student: that she was kicked repeatedly in the face until she fell off of the slide on the school’s playground. The school informed Lacey [that there] were no teachers present when the incident occurred, and because of that, no one could prove whether or not another student had harmed Ava.”

Despite their assertion that absence of supervision makes it impossible to establish what took place, the school goes on to claim that AvaLynn injured herself and that no other students are responsible for her injuries, according to AL.com. The school’s statement reads: “A student was injured while playing on the playground at Arlington Elementary School Tuesday afternoon. School ofﬁcials responded to the situation. The parent was contacted and the student received medical treatment. No other children were involved in the incident. The Pascagoula School District remains committed to the safety of all its students.” Pascagoula Police Department’s Lt. Jim Roe told reporters: “The mother alleges another child kicked her child on the slide. Right now, there’s no indication something criminal took place. I have spoken with school security and an assistant superintendent is investigating the matter.” A GoFundMe campaign has been started to raise money for AvaLynn’s “medical needs and travel expenses.”

Sri Lanka

Death for doctor who raped patient and pushed her to her death

The campaign is at https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/justiceforavalynn

India

Girl who defended father found dead on railway Police have arrested three men over the suspected rape and murder of a teenager who had protested against village elders’ harassment of her father in India’s east.

Chamila Dissanayake

A court in Sri Lanka has sentenced a doctor accused of the rape and murder of a factory worker in 2007 to death.

In addition to the death penalty, Negambo High Court Judge M.M. Gafoor sentenced the medic to 15 years of “rigorous imprisonment” and fined him 10,000 rupees. If the fine remains unpaid, he will endure a further one year of rigorous imprisonment before, presumably, he is put to death. Dr. Indika Balage was found guilty of raping and strangling 23-year-old garment factory worker Chamila Dissanayake before pushing her to death from the 6th floor of the Negombo hospital, an area of the hospital reserved for exclusive use as doctors’ quarters which was directly below a

popular spot for suicide jumpers. Medical investigations revealed that the girl, who was attending the clinic for a routine procedure, was raped and strangled before she was dragged and pushed out of the hospital window. A domestic worker who claimed to have seen the doctor dragging the girl was a key prosecution witness. She alleged she offered the doctor assistance when she saw him struggling with “something heavy”. He quickly about-turned to his private room, but it was minutes later that the injured girl was discovered. She died before emergency treatment could be administered. Balage has made more than one attempt at suicide since he was apprehended soon after the incident.

The father of the 16-year-old said she went missing after trying to save him from being attacked by village elders as punishment for failing to repay a loan, according to a police ofﬁcer. Elders of the village council in West Bengal state instead turned on the girl on Monday night and demanded she lick spittle off the ground. The girl had begged the elders not to thrash her father, who had been brought before them over the loan to borrow a tractor, local media reported. Village elders still hold huge sway in deeply impoverished Indian villages and often act as a parallel legal system, settling disputes and handing down judgements. “Police arrested three people after the girl’s father lodged a complaint that she was raped and murdered”, additional superintendent of police James Kujur told journalists.

“Her father named 13 persons in the complaint. We are investigating the case”, said Kujur, who visited the crime scene in Jalpaiguri district. “The girl went missing after she protested at the village council, who had called her father asking him to settle his dues for hiring a power tiller from a villager.” Police said the girl’s body, discovered on Tuesday morning, has been sent for post mortem examination as police attempt to unravel yet another case of suspected sexual violence. India introduced tougher laws to deter rapists following public outrage over the 2012 fatal gang-rape of a student on a moving bus in New Delhi. But attacks against women have continued unabated in many parts of the country. Police found the girl’s body on railway tracks near her home in Dhupguri village 680km north of Kolkata. They have arrested three members of the village council for questioning but no charges have been laid. Council elders told local media they were not involved in the girl’s death and said they had not assaulted the father. 17

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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African Music Travelmusic artist

In association with

Finding Fela to hit UK screens this weekend

Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney returns to UK screens this autumn with ‘Finding Fela’, an utterly compelling and hypnotic portrait of visionary Nigerian musician and social activist, Fela Kuti. ‘Finding Fela’ is the story of the man who created the musical movement Afrobeat, and who then went on to use it as a form of political protest against the Nigerian dictatorship, becoming a revolutionary, hero and legend. Capturing the essence of the documentary film from a musical perspective is the ‘Finding Fela’ soundtrack. The double album includes 15 of Fela’s classic tracks, together with an interpretation of “Zombie” from the Fela! Broadway musical, and a never-before released, magical live version of “Colonial Mentality”, recorded at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos by the cast of the musical and featuring Fela’s son Femi Kuti on saxophone. It was in 2011 when the hit Broadway musical Fela!, directed by Bill T Jones, made its way to Lagos. It would become the first Broadway musical ever to perform in Nigeria. The show’s instigator and main producer, Stephen Hendel, wanting to

document this historic journey, approached Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi To The Dark Side, Enron, The Smartest Guys In The Room, The Armstrong Lie, etc.) who agreed to come on board as director. A film crew from Los Angeles, led by producer Jack Gulick, accompanied the eighty-strong group of cast and technicians to Lagos where a local film crew were also engaged. Hundreds of hours of footage were shot of the preparations, the opening at the Kuti family’s New Afrika Shrine, and at the capacious Eko Exhibition Hall where the full production was to receive a triumphant reception. However, it soon became clear that, fascinating as documenting this groundbreaking journey may be, the story could not be told without also examining the life, times and bravado of its central character, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. So began the making of ‘Finding Fela’ which explores both his extraordinary courage in the face of implacable opposition, and his exceptional musicianship, told through the eyes of musicians, friends and family members and those that knew and admired him, from near and far. The result is ‘FindingFela’, the definitive documentary depicting his life and legacy. Fela created a new musical movement, Afrobeat, using that forum to express his revolutionary political opinions against

the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. His influence helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria and promoted Pan-Africanist politics to the world. The power and potency of Fela’s message is completely current today and is expressed in the political movements of oppressed people, embracing Fela’s music and message in their struggle for freedom. To tell the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the son of a middle-class, well-educated Nigerian family who transformed into musical icon and “spiritual guru”, a man who lived in a sprawling compound and married 27 women in a mass wedding, director Alex Gibney cuts in interviews with family, friends and bandmates; with incredible footage culled from 1,200 hours of film; and then weaves in scenes from the Broadway production of Fela! during its run in Lagos. The result is a colourful and breathtaking film that comprehensively reveals the life of a man, who was both a musical genius and political activist but also unpredictable, explosive and above all enigmatic. ‘Finding Fela’, which made the Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, will be in cinemas in the UK from 5 September. The official soundtrack album will be released on 1 September.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti

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Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

Culture

NIGERIA’S ROYAL MAJESTY IN LONDON FOR LIFE TIME AWARD One of Nigeria’s prominent traditional rulers in Yoruba land, His Royal Majesty, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was in London last weekend to confer with his people.

This year marks the 44th year of Oba Adeyemi III on the throne. The royal father who was in London to also receive a lifetime achievement award organised by Asalatur Rahman Islamic Association. The Monarch celebrated his 76th birthday with four of his wives, children, close friends and other family members in a low profiled manner to honour his bosom friend Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola, The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland who passed on recently. Tourists and shoppers showed admiration to the Royal father and his entourage during a shopping trip to Westfield Mall London.

Photos: Daniel Sync

His Royal Majesty, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Dr. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III with four of his wives and aide on a shopping trip in Westfield London

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Hamdallah: We can be kings of Africa

Abderrazak Hamdallah, Morocoo forward

By Agency Reporter The Moroccan town of Safi has long been famous for natural riches such as phosphates and sardines, not to mention a traditional handicraft industry celebrated far and wide. In recent years, however, Safi has also enjoyed renown for another plentiful resource – the goals of local strike phenomenon Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Having started out in the back alleys of his Safi neighbourhood, Hamdallah began honing his skills on clay pitches after joining an amateur club. Despite his young age, his talent rapidly shone through in more senior company, and he promptly steered his team to success in local tournaments. Advised to seek out opportunities at a higher level, Hamdallah then earned himself a place in the youth side of OC Safi in 2006. He was swiftly promoted to the B team a few months later, before finishing top scorer in the Moroccan championship in 2010 and winning international recognition at U-19 level. Hamdallah’s goals proved crucial as Morocco sealed a berth at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in 2012. The prolific forward topped the scoring charts in qualifying with eight strikes from 16 games, but Dutch coach Pim Verbeek ultimately left him out of his squad for London. “I was 22

sad because every player wants to represent his country at the Olympic Games,” Hamdallah explained to FIFA.com. “But the coach’s decision turned me into a new man, one who never gives up.” The following season, he outscored his peers in the Moroccan elite once again, and was soon offered a number of lucrative deals by clubs in the Persian Gulf. Tempting though they were, Hamdallah was determined to pursue a lifelong dream of plying his trade in Europe. “I had lots of offers and didn’t know which one to accept,” he said. “My friends advised me to go to Norway rather than the Gulf. As a child, I used to wear the shirts of European clubs and dreamt of seeing the next generation wear shirts with my name on the back. Thanks to God, I chose Aalesund.”

New ambitions

Many were taken aback by his decision to sign for the Norwegian side. Even Aalesund’s own supporters gave him a frosty welcome, before quickly discovering that their new signing had an innate gift for putting the ball in the net. After joining the Scandinavian side in March 2013, Hamdallah made an instant impact, blasting 20 goals in 30 appearances. “It was a difficult experience because I arrived in a country that’s very cold,” he said. “But through an effort of will, I overcame every obstacle. I was the first player from the Moroccan championship to come to Norway, and my signing generated a lot of attention in the newspapers. In the end,

I was able to silence my critics by finishing as one of the leading scorers in the league.” Fresh from serving further notice of his talent, Hamdallah opted to continue his career on a third separate continent, with Chinese side Guangzhou R&F bringing him on board earlier this year. Yet again, he was venturing to a part of the world with a very different culture, but the 23-yearold notched 17 strikes in 16 matches to lift himself high up the scorers’ table. He hopes now to be crowned leading marksman in China and become one of only a select band of players to have achieved that feat in a trio of leagues. “My goal is to finish top scorer,” he said. “In addition to wanting to play in the AFC Champions League, I want to win the golden boot in the Chinese championship – and why not one day become a top scorer on all six continents? Nothing is impossible in football.” What is certain is that the language barrier will not get in his way. He may have only recently arrived, yet Hamdallah is slowly but surely helping his team approach the upper reaches of a league dominated by Guangzhou Evergrande, recently firing his team to victory in the derby. “Football is an international language and, on the pitch, you can be surrounded by team-mates from several countries,” said the Safi native. “It’s football that’s always brought me together with my colleagues, whether in Norway or China. We all speak the same language.”

International mission

Hamdallah has been spending much of his free time at Guangzhou’s famous zoo, watching the big cats and dreaming of a fresh opportunity with the Atlas Lions. His international statistics may not make for convincing reading, but, having sparkled en route to the Olympics, he feels he merits fairer treatment. “Morocco fans don’t like me, but I haven’t really been given a chance with the senior team,” he explained. “I’ve only played two competitive games, and I scored a goal and got an assist. I don’t think people can ask for more than that.” Those same supporters are currently hoping Morocco can end their long wait for triumph at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Their sole win came in 1976, but with the 2015 edition to be held on home soil, expectations are on the rise – and Hamdallah is determined to be a part of the adventure. “Our people love football and they’re hungry for titles,” said the forward, recently called up by new coach Badou Zaki. “It doesn’t make sense that our players are based in the very biggest leagues and yet we can’t win anything. I hope to be a part of the Morocco side that lifts the Cup of Nations in 2015.” Hamdallah’s exploits on three different continents will surely count in his favour as Morocco try out their options in the runup to the tournament. Indeed, at this rate, he may soon be lauded for his goalscoring pedigree in all four corners of the globe.

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014

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Ghana aim at flying start in AFCON qualifiers Uganda will be chasing their first win in Ghana on Saturday when the Cranes face the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium in their Group E 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers opener. Ghanaians have lost interest in the team after their flop World Cup showing that was marred by indiscipline and bonus row. Some fans booed the players during their training sessions in Kumasi and it took the intervention of captain Asamoah Gyan to convince them to reverse their position. Ghana’s squad has been refreshed with call-ups to David Accam,who has hit top form in the Swedish League, Leicester City’s Jeffrey Schlupp and TP Mazmebe duo Yaw Frimpong and Solomon Asante. But Michael Essien, Adam Larsen Kwarasey and suspended duo Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng have been overlooked. Head coach Kwesi Appiah must put up a good performance that will reinstate confidence after his competence came under the microscope in Brazil.

Nations Cup contenders for Morocco 2015

Ghana Team

The Coach has dropped six players that made his world cup squad and it will be interesting to see how the team responds after the chaos in Brazil. Uganda Coach Milutin Sredojevic does not have any injury concern and will come to Ghana with less pressure since the Black Stars are considered massive favourites. His saw his team lose 2-0 to Niger in a

friendly on Sunday but remains confident his charges will hit top form “I have done my part, now go for exams. I am confident you will pass,” said the coach. Lead Striker Massa Geoffrey who picked up a knock in the friendly ahead of the game should be fine after he was cleared to travel with the team.

Leone Stars shine with purpose

Continued from page 24

The preparations have been made, stars profiled, venues set, teams’ criss-crossed the expanse of the grandeur of the African continental landscape, pundits staked their claims and it is now down to the action when the first matches of the final phase of qualifying for Morocco 2015 get underway this week. A total of 15places will be birthed to join hosts Morocco for the 30th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations which runs across the cities of Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir and Tangiers from 17th January to 8th February 2015. The two teams in each of the seven groups qualify and will be joined by one team, to be placed in a third spot which betters all other third placed sides.

Fixtures

Group A 05-09 Sudan – South Africa (1700 GMT) 06-09 Nigeria - Congo (1600 GMT) Group B 06-09 Ethiopia - Algeria (1300 GMT) 06-09 Mali - Malawi (1900 GMT) Group C 06-09 Gabon - Angola (1600 GMT) 06-09 Burkina Faso - Lesotho (1600 GMT) Group D 06-09 RD Congo - Cameroon (1300 GMT) 06-09 Côte d’Ivoire - Sierra Leone (1700 GMT)

Sierra Leone team

He says that the epidemic has given the team a further hurdle to leap. “The Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone is a serious challenge for everyone in the country. The success of the national team can have a direct impact on the mood of the nation. We as a group are determined to be the good news story when so much being written about Sierra Leone presently is negative. Make no doubt about it, through determination and the resilience of the people of Sierra Leone, the outbreak will be brought to an end, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that

when that does happen the focus of the world will be on Sierra Leone for the right reasons, and the Leone Stars participation in AFCON 2015 can play a big role in that.” He is confident that football in Sierra Leone can continue moving forward. “There are several areas of key importance, some of which I am pleased to say are being focused on by the footballing authorities. Naturally, the long-term importance of youth development is vital. A vision is required both in terms of player development, coaching and facilities for

young players. This is starting to take shape I am pleased to say, and I am hopeful that it will only gain momentum over the coming years. “For too long the focus was only on the senior level of the game in many countries around the world, but pleasingly here in Sierra Leone that is changing, and the young footballers in this country can, I hope, look forward to a bright future, and subsequently the nation can hope to see even more players progressing to national team level.”

Group E 05-09 Guinea - Togo (2000 GMT) à Casablanca 06-09 Ghana - Uganda (1600 GMT) Group F 06-09 Zambia - Mozambique (1300 GMT) 06-09 Niger - Cap Verde (1630 GMT) Group G 05-09 Senegal - Egypte (2000 GMT) 06-09 Tunisia - Botswana (1915 GMT) 23

Friday, 05 September – Thursday, 11 September 2014 ISSUE 547

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Ghana aim at flying start in AFCON qualifiers

SEE PAGE 23

Leone Stars shine with purpose

Sierra Leone team

By Agency Reporter

When Johnny McKinstry was announced as the interim coach of Sierra Leone in April last year, it was a remarkable appointment. Not only had McKinstry’s only previous positions as head coach been the fifth-tier Northern Irish club Lurgan Town FC and the Right to Dream Football Academy in Ghana, but he was also at the time just 28-years-old.

But what is even more remarkable is what the young Northern Irishman has done with the Sierra Leone team since then. In the August FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking the Leone Stars are ranked 50th in the world and seventh in Africa – higher than they have ever been since the rankings were introduced, and up 14 places from July.

Under McKinstry, Sierra Leone have played six matches, losing just one FIFA World Cup™ qualifier in Cape Verde Islands 1-0, but also achieving a moraleboosting 2-2 draw against African powerhouse Tunisia in the same competition. He has steered the team into the group stages of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after beating Swaziland and Seychelles in the knock-out stages, with a 2-0 victory over the latter falling into the time period used for the August ranking. For McKinstry the upsurge in the country’s footballing fortunes has not come as a surprise, and the team has introduced 13 new players in the last 16 months. “Since taking up the reigns of the Leone Stars, both I and my coaching staff have had a clear vision of how we wanted to move the team forward. Through this new playing philosophy, combined with the introduction of new players to the group, and most importantly the work ethic of all those in-

volved, I believe that the rise in the rankings is not unexpected,” he recently told FIFA.com. “At the beginning of 2014 we had two clear goals. Firstly, take Sierra Leone into the top 50 in the world, and secondly, qualify for the CAF Nations Cup to be held in Morocco in 2015. I am pleased to say we are on track, and we look forward to the challenges that are coming up over the coming months as we move to complete our mission for the year.”

A tough task ahead

The Leone Stars have been drawn into what is arguably the most difficult group in the Nations Cup qualifiers and have to face Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Congo DR, but McKinstry is upbeat about the prospect. “Our goal at the start of the year was to qualify the Leone Stars for their first Africa Cup of Nations in almost two decades. That ambition did not change following the

group draw.” His job will not have been made any easier by the outbreak of the deadly Ebola epidemic and it seems likely that they will have to play their home games on a neutral venue. “We will adopt a new home in a different country to complete our fixtures. Whilst it is disappointing that we will not be able to play in front of our own fans, who are so passionate about their team, it is a decision that we understand and are supportive of.”

Continued on page 23

African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 3737 3077 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com